Bruins Sign Center Krejci to Three-Year Extension

The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday that they have signed center David Krejci to a three-year contract extension worth $11.25 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 in 2009-10, $3.75 in 2010-11, and $4 million in 2011-12. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1 and would have been a prime target for an offer sheet. Last season with the Bruins, Krejci played in all 82 games, scoring 22 goals and 51 assists for 73 points, career highs in all three categories. In three NHL seasons, all with the Bruins, he has played in 144 games, scoring 28 goals and 72 assists for 100 points. This is a great signing for the Bruins, as Krecji has lots of offensive potential. He has excellent passing skills and is great on the power play, making him a very talented player for the Bruins. This is also a very affordable signing for the Bruins, as it was believed he could have gotten at least $5 million per season. With Krejci under contract, the Bruins will focus their efforts on re-signing Phil Kessel. However, the Bruins may be forced to trade Kessel, as they are close to the salary cap and he could cost around $5 million per season to re-sign. If Kessel were to accept a contract similar to Krejci's, it would be easier on their cap space to retain him, but may still have to shed a little bit of salary to accommodate his salary.